Big plans for Lidl building in demolition bid

Lidl has submitted plans to knock down and rebuild its store on Bilston High Street

Supermarket chain Lidl has submitted plans to replace its "outdated" Bilston store with a new building.

City of Wolverhampton Council has received plans from Lidl to demolish its existing High Street store for a new "modern" supermarket.

The budget retailer said its current Bilston supermarket was "poor quality and outdated" and was "falling short of modern standards."

The "comprehensive redevelopment" would also improve the entrance for those travelling into the town centre, the supermarket's application said.

The local authority's planners backed a move by Lidl to demolish the store and replace it with a new building in March 2022 but the planning permission has now expired.

City of Wolverhampton Council approved plans by the supermarket chain to knock down the adjoining and derelict 127-year-old former Swan pub to make way for more parking spaces earlier this year.

A statement included with the application said: "The existing food store is constrained by its outdated design and operational limitations, which compromise the quality of service currently offered.

"Redevelopment of the site to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose retail unit would represent a significant enhancement to convenience shopping provision within Bilston town centre.

"These improvements would generate wider regenerative benefits, contributing positively to the vitality and attractiveness of the town centre as a whole," the statement added.

The number of parking spaces would increase from 136 to 155 spaces as well as electric vehicle and cycle spaces.

The council has already approved plans to flatten the neighbouring Swan Pub

Plans for two new units to be built next to the site's McDonald's, which were included as part of the 2022 approval, have been removed from the current proposals.

"The net sales area would increase by 9% enabling a broader product range and improved internal circulation," the application continued.

"Notwithstanding this increase, the overall building footprint would reduce, reflecting a more efficient use of space.

"Taken together, these amendments represent a refinement of the previously accepted scheme, delivering enhanced operational efficiency and customer experience, while maintaining and building upon the wider benefits previously acknowledged."

City of Wolverhampton Council has also given permission to Lidl to build a new store and 17 new homes on the site of the former Gills sausage factory and abattoir in nearby Parkfields.

The local authority approved plans to demolish the former meat wholesaler's factory on the edge of Birmingham New Road and Parkfield Road in September.

The demolition will make way for the supermarket, which will bring 40 new jobs, and a 110-space car park.

Plans for a mix of one- to four-bed homes were also included in the planning application submitted by Lidl.